U.S. patent number 6,193,419 [Application Number 09/221,503] was granted by the patent office on 2001-02-27 for wheel hub/joint unit with intermediate ring.
This patent grant is currently assigned to GKN Automotive AG. Invention is credited to Herbert Frielingsdorf, Werner Krude.
United States Patent |
6,193,419 |
Krude , et al. |
February 27, 2001 |
Wheel hub/joint unit with intermediate ring
Abstract
A wheel hub/constant velocity joint unit having a double-row
bearing assembly 18 arranged on the wheel hub 11 and comprising at
least one separate inner bearing ring 42 pointing towards the
constant velocity joint. The outer joint part 25 of the constant
velocity joint comprises a central inner aperture 26 which points
towards the wheel hub 11 and includes inner teeth 30. An annular
member 36 with outer teeth 37 is non-rotatingly inserted into the
inner aperture 26. Removable axial connecting means are provided
between the outer joint part 25 and the annular member 36. The
annular member 36 is non-removably connected to the wheel hub
11.
Inventors: |
Krude; Werner
(Neunkirchen-Seelscheid, DE), Frielingsdorf; Herbert
(Lohmar, DE) |
Assignee: |
GKN Automotive AG
(DE)
|
Family
ID: |
26022299 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/221,503 |
Filed: |
December 28, 1998 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
787366 |
Jan 22, 1997 |
5853250 |
|
|
|
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
|
Jan 24, 1996 [DE] |
|
|
196 02 413 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
384/544; 384/539;
464/178 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60B
27/0005 (20130101); B60B 27/0026 (20130101); B60B
27/0042 (20130101); B60B 27/0094 (20130101); F16C
19/187 (20130101); F16C 2326/02 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B60B
27/00 (20060101); F16C 19/02 (20060101); F16C
19/18 (20060101); F16C 019/36 (); F16D
003/22 () |
Field of
Search: |
;384/537,539,544,504,505,506 ;464/178,182 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3608346A1 |
|
Sep 1987 |
|
DE |
|
3618130A1 |
|
Dec 1987 |
|
DE |
|
3618139C2 |
|
Dec 1988 |
|
DE |
|
4023019A1 |
|
Jan 1992 |
|
DE |
|
4024534A1 |
|
Feb 1992 |
|
DE |
|
4300793A1 |
|
Jul 1993 |
|
DE |
|
4230639C1 |
|
Oct 1993 |
|
DE |
|
4436789A1 |
|
May 1995 |
|
DE |
|
0202968 |
|
Nov 1986 |
|
EP |
|
1340644 |
|
Dec 1973 |
|
GB |
|
Other References
Handbuch der Fertigungstechnik, Bankd 5, Fugen, Handhaben und
Montieren, Herausgegeben von Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dr. h.c. Gunter Spur,
Mit 747 Bildern und 144 Tabellen, Carl Hanser Verlag Munchen Wien,
pp. 34-42, Dec. 1986..
|
Primary Examiner: Hannon; Thomas R.
Parent Case Text
This application is a CIP of Ser. No. 08/787,366 , Jan. 22, 1997
U.S. Pat. No. 5,853,250.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A wheel hub/constant velocity joint unit having a double-row
bearing assembly arranged on a wheel hub and comprising at least
one separate inner bearing ring pointing towards a constant
velocity joint wherein said outer joint part of said constant
velocity joint comprises a central inner aperture which points
towards said wheel hub and includes inner teeth, an annular member
produced separately from said wheel hub and including outer teeth
non-rotatingly inserted into said inner aperture, with removable
axial connecting means provided between said outer joint part and
said annular member, wherein said annular member is slid onto a
centering collar at said wheel hub and said annular member being
non-removably connected to said wheel hub.
2. A unit according to claim 1 wherein a weld in an axially
extending annular gap between said annular member and said wheel
hub forms unremovable connecting means.
3. A unit according to claim 2, wherein said annular member and
said outer collar of said wheel hub, on end faces contacting one
another, form engaging means relative to one another which are
form-fitting in the direction of rotation.
4. A unit according to claim 2, wherein said annular member and
said wheel hub, on circumferential faces contacting one another,
form engaging means relative to one another which are form-fitting
in the direction of rotation.
5. A unit according to claim 1 wherein a radially outwardly
deformed outer collar at a joint end of said wheel hub axially
form-fittingly extends behind said annular member.
6. A unit according to claim 5, wherein said annular member and
said outer collar of said wheel hub (11), at end faces contacting
one another, form engaging means relative to one another which are
form-fitting in the direction of rotation.
7. A unit according to claim 5, wherein said annular member and
said wheel hub, on circumferential faces contacting one another,
form engaging means relative to one another which are form-fitting
in the direction of rotation.
8. A unit according to claim 5, wherein said annular member
comprises an inner collar at a hub end of said annular member and
said outer collar form-fittingly extends behind said inner
collar.
9. A unit according to claim 1 wherein said annular member
comprises an attached sleeve at a hub end of said annular member,
which attached sleeve is inserted into a through-aperture of said
wheel hub and said attached sleeve comprising at a free end, which
beaded portion is axially supported on a stop face of said wheel
hub.
10. A unit according to claim 9, wherein said annular member and
said wheel hub, on circumferential faces contacting one another,
form engaging means relative to one another which are form-fitting
in the direction of rotation.
11. A unit according to claim 1 wherein said annular member is
attached to said wheel hub by means of a friction weld and that
radially outside said friction weld, there exists a supporting
contact is disposed between said annular member and said at least
one separate inner bearing ring.
12. A unit according to claim 11, wherein said supporting contact
is provided by a collar at said at least one separate inner bearing
ring.
13. A unit according to claim 11, wherein said annular member has
an inner aperture and is provided with a radial supporting wall
which closes the axial passage of said inner aperture.
14. A wheel hub/constant velocity joint unit having a double-row
bearing assembly arranged on a wheel hub and comprising at least
one separate inner bearing ring pointing towards a constant
velocity joint wherein said outer joint part of said constant
velocity joint comprises a central inner aperture which points
towards said wheel hub and includes inner teeth, an annular member
produced separately from said wheel hub and including outer teeth
non-rotatingly inserted into said inner aperture, with removable
axial connecting means provided between said outer joint part and
said annular member, and wherein a weld in an axially extending
annular gap between said annular member and said wheel hub forms
unremovable connecting means, and wherein said form engaging means
are in the form of engaging splines means.
15. A wheel hub/constant velocity joint unit having a double-row
bearing assembly arranged on a wheel hub and comprising at least
one separate inner bearing ring pointing towards a constant
velocity joint wherein said outer joint part of said constant
velocity joint comprises a central inner aperture which points
towards said wheel hub and includes inner teeth, an annular member
produced separately from said wheel hub and including outer teeth
non-rotatingly inserted into said inner aperture, with removable
axial connecting means provided between said outer joint part and
said annular member, and wherein said annular member is attached to
said wheel hub by means of a friction weld and that radially
outside said friction weld, there exists a supporting contact is
disposed between said annular member and said at least one separate
inner bearing ring, and wherein said form engaging means are in the
form of engaging splines means.
16. A wheel hub/constant velocity joint unit having a double-row
bearing assembly arranged on a wheel hub and comprising at least
one separate inner bearing ring pointing towards a constant
velocity joint wherein said outer joint part of said constant
velocity joint comprises a central inner aperture which points
towards said wheel hub and includes inner teeth, an annular member
produced separately from said wheel hub and including outer teeth
non-rotatingly inserted into said inner apertures with removable
axial connecting means provided between said outer joint part and
said annular member, and wherein said annular member comprises an
attached sleeve at a hub end of said annular member, which attached
sleeve is inserted into a through-aperture of said wheel hub and
said attached sleeve comprising a beaded portion at a free end,
which beaded portion is axially supported on a stop face of said
wheel hub, and wherein said supporting contact is provided by a
collar at said at least one separate inner bearing ring, and
wherein said form engaging means are in the form of engaging
splines means.
17. A wheel hub/constant velocity joint unit having a double-row
bearing assembly arranged on a wheel hub and comprising at least
one separate inner bearing ring pointing towards a constant
velocity joint, wherein an outer joint part of said constant
velocity joint comprises a central inner aperture which points
towards said wheel hub and includes inner teeth, an annular member
produced separately from said wheel hub and including outer teeth
non-rotatingly inserted into said inner aperture, with removable
axial connecting means provided between said outer joint part and
said annular member, and said annular member being non-removably
connected to said wheel hub, wherein a radially outwardly deformed
outer collar at a joint end of said wheel hub axially
form-fittingly extends behind said annular member, and wherein said
annular member and said wheel hub, on circumferential faces
contacting one another, form engaging splines relative to one
another which are form fitting in the direction of rotation.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a wheel hub/constant velocity joint unit
having a double-row bearing assembly arranged on the wheel hub and
comprising at least one separate inner bearing ring pointing
towards the constant velocity joint. The invention also covers
wheel hub/constant velocity joint units comprising two inner
bearing rings separated from and slid on to the wheel hub. In both
cases, the outer bearing ring is undivided, as usual, and inserted
directly into a wheel carrier.
As known in the state of the art, it is necessary for the two
symmetrically arranged rows of bearings of the bearing assembly
designed as angular contact deep groove bearings to be fitted with
a pretension to ensure that, in view of the cyclic loads acting on
the wheel, the bearings are play-free.
DE 36 18 139 A1 describes a unit of the above-mentioned type
wherein an annular member is connected to the wheel hub by friction
welding. The friction weld provides the pretension of the separate
inner bearing ring at the joint end relative to the wheel hub. The
inner bearing ring is completely embedded in the material of the
wheel hub. In this embodiment, there are problems in accurately
setting the pretension, as the pretension builds up by the friction
weld that still flows after the friction welding operation. The
dimensions of the friction weld change during the cooling process.
As a result, the remaining pretension at the bearing assembly still
changes at the end of the friction welding operation.
A non-rotating, form-fitting connection between the annular member
and the outer joint part is achieved by inter-engaging end teeth
which are tensioned by a bolted connection between the wheel hub
and the outer joint member. Even with slight axial settlement
symptoms, the connection is no longer play-free and is not suitable
for the present unit.
From DE 36 08 346 A1 it is known to connect the outer joint part of
a unit of the above-mentioned type directly with the wheel hub by
friction welding. A collar of the outer joint part, is positioned
radially outside tie friction weld, providing axial support between
the outer joint part and the separate inner bearing ring at the
joint end. Again, there are problems accurately setting the
pretension because during the cooling process following the
friction welding operation the axial dimension still changes. The
remaining pretension at the bearing assembly hence changes at the
end of the friction welding operation. The degree of change first
has to be determined empirically, with the degree of scatter for
welding operations being greater than for purely mechanical
production process or cold-forming operations.
There is a further disadvantage in that the friction welding
operation referred to has to be carried out before the constant
velocity joint is finally assembled. The assembly procedure for the
constant velocity joint thus must use a complete unitary constant
velocity joint, wheel hub and bearing. This requirement complicates
the procedure.
EP 0 610 782 A1 describes a unit of the type wherein the separate
inner bearing ring at the joint end is axially tensioned on the
wheel hub by a formed sleeve member. The sleeve member is
integrally formed or slides on separately. Subsequently, the outer
joint part typically is directly connected to the wheel hub by
inter-engaging teeth and a securing ring.
With this embodiment, each time the wheel hub or bearing design is
changed, the design of the outer joint part has to be adapted
accordingly. This means that the manufacturer has to produce a
large number of joint embodiments.
It is the object of the invention to provide a unit of the
initially mentioned type wherein the method of tensioning the
bearing assembly and the joint assembly procedure are improved.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The objective is achieved by an outer joint part comprising a
central inner aperture which points towards the wheel hub and inner
teeth. An annular member is non-rotatingly inserted into the inner
teeth, and produced separately from the wheel hub. The annular
member includes outer teeth. The outer joint part and the annular
member are connected by a removable axial connecting means. The
annular member is connected to the wheel hub by a non-destructively
non-removable connecting means. The non-removable connecting means
provides the pretension for the bearing assembly. On the one hand,
this embodiment allows the joint to be assembled with the outer
joint part still separated from the wheel hub, i.e. it is possible
to apply conventional assembly methods, either manual or automated,
without making any changes or adaptations. On the other hand, it is
possible to tension the bearing assembly by an annular member which
is easy to handle. In addition, independent of the type of
connecting means used between the annular member and the wheel hub,
the bearing assembly can always be held under pretension while the
connection is in the process of being produced. The material of the
annular member is advantageously independent of the requirements to
be met by the material of the outer joint part. For example, it is
possible to take into account improved weldability or improved
cold-formability, depending on the type of connecting means
selected for the connection that cannot be unfastened.
The term "annular member" also refers to annular elements having an
inner aperture with a radial supporting wall, so the element does
not have a free axial passage.
As a result of the removable connecting means, it is possible to
replace a damaged bearing or a damaged constant velocity joint.
This is advantageous with respect to the cost of manufacturing. The
non-removable connecting means ensures that the pretension of the
bearing is maintained at a uniform level, even when the constant
velocity joint is replaced.
Further, it is possible to vary either the bearing dimensions or
the joint dimensions, without having to change the dimensions of
the other part that is not affected. Any adaptation measure may
refer entirely to modifying the annular member. This refers to the
possibility of retaining certain joint sizes or designs while
carrying out modifications in the region of the bearing assembly.
For example, by designing the wheel carrier in different ways, it
is also possible to use different joint sizes, while leaving the
bearing assembly unchanged, in a vehicle model with different
engine output variants.
The preferred connecting means between the inner teeth of the outer
joint part and the outer teeth of the annular member consists of
annular grooves associated with one another in the region of the
teeth sets. A securing ring is inserted into the grooves for axial
security. According to a preferred embodiment, the annular grooves
and the securing ring comprise a rectangular cross-section. The
securing ring engages the annular groove in the outer joint part
under pretension and the annular groove in the annular member
comprises radial play for fitting the ring. In this way, it is
possible to produce a connection which is particularly suitable for
accommodating the axial forces that occur. Modifications of the
above are possible. For instance, it is possible to provide a
double assembly of securing rings which engage the annular groove
in one of the parts and rest against end contact faces of the
respective other one of the parts.
Additional embodiments are possible for the connecting means
between the annular member and the wheel hub. The connecting means
at the same time ensures the pretension in the double-row bearing
assembly. This characteristic makes it possible for the annular
member to be separate from at least one separate inner bearing ring
on the wheel hub, but also for the annular member integral with at
least one separate inner bearing ring on the wheel hub.
In the case of both the above-mentioned embodiments it is possible
to slide the annular member onto a centering collar at the wheel
hub and for a weld to be formed in an axially extending
longitudinal gap between the annular member and the centering
collar.
A second possibility is that, at the wheel hub end, the annular
member comprises an inner collar. A radially outwardly deformed
outer collar at the joint end of the wheel hub axially and
form-fittingly extends behind the inner collar.
A third possibility is that, at the hub end, the annular member
comprises an attached sleeve which inserts into an inner aperture
of the wheel hub. At its free end, the annular member comprises a
beaded portion axially supported on a stop face of the wheel hub.
Due to the longer length of the annular member it is particularly
advantageous to provide a radial supporting wall inside its inner
aperture which closes an axial passage and has a stiffening
function.
According to a first embodiment it is proposed that the inner
collar and the outer collar, at end faces contacting one another,
form engaging means relative to one another. The collars are
form-fitting in the direction of rotation, ensuring the
transmission of torque between the annular member and the wheel
hub. The form-fitting engaging means needs to be produced
mechanically at the annular member only, prior to connecting the
parts.
According to a second embodiment it is proposed that the annular
member and the wheel hub, on circumferential faces contacting one
another, form engaging means relative to one another which are
form-fitting in the direction of rotation. This achieves the same
effect as described above. According to a preferred embodiment, it
is proposed to produce corresponding shaft teeth both at the
annular member and at the wheel hub, prior to connecting the
parts.
In both cases, at least one separate inner bearing ring may be
integral with the annular member or separate from the annular
member.
A further possibility based on the separate inner bearing ring and
the annular member being separate from one another consists in the
annular member being attached to the wheel hub by means of a
friction weld. Radially outside the friction weld, there is an
axially supporting contact between the annular member and the
separate inner bearing ring.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the invention will be explained below with
reference to the drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a wheel hub/constant velocity joint unit having an
annular member which is separate from the inner bearing ring and
connects to the wheel hub by a laser weld;
FIG. 1A shows an embodiment modified from the FIG. 1 unit.
FIG. 2 is a wheel hub/constant velocity joint unit having an
annular member which is separate from the inner bearing ring and
form-fittingly connects to the wheel hub;
FIG. 2A shows an embodiment modified from the FIG. 2 unit.
FIG. 3 is a wheel hub/constant velocity joint unit having an
annular member which is separate from the inner bearing ring and
connects to the wheel hub by a friction weld;
FIG. 4 is a wheel hub/constant velocity joint unit having an
annular member which is integral with the separate inner bearing
ring and which connects to the wheel hub by a laser weld;
FIG. 4A shows an embodiment modified from the FIG. 4 unit.
FIG. 5 is a wheel hub/constant velocity joint unit having an
annular member which is integral with the separate inner bearing
ring and which connects to the wheel hub through deformation of the
latter; and
FIG. 5A shows an embodiment modified from the FIG. 5 unit.
FIG. 6 is a wheel hub/constant velocity joint unit having an
annular member which is integral with the separate inner bearing
ring and which, by being deformed, connects to the wheel hub.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
FIGS. 1 to 6 will be described below jointly with respect to any
design details which are known in themselves and which are
identical in all embodiments.
The Figures show a wheel hub 11, a constant velocity universal
joint, generally indicated at 12, and an adjoining sideshaft 13 of
a wheel hub/constant velocity joint unit for a steerable driving
axle of a motor vehicle. The hub 11 has a flange 14 connected to a
brake disc 15 by threaded bolts 16 integrally formed on the wheel
hub 11. Bolts 17 are threaded into the flange 14 to secure a wheel
rim (not illustrated) to the wheel hub 11.
A double-row bearing assembly, generally indicated at 18,
comprising two rows of bearing balls 19, 20 is positioned on the
wheel hub 11. The bearing balls 19, 20 run in an undivided outer
bearing ring 21. In FIGS. 1 to 3, the outer bearing ring 21
comprises a flange-like expanded portion threaded to a wheel
carrier 24 by bolts 23. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the outer bearing ring 21
inserts into an inner bore in the wheel carrier 24 by a press-fit
and is axially secured by a securing ring 52. The operational lines
of the two bearing rows are indicated by dash-dotted lines through
the centers of the balls 19, 20.
The joint 12 comprises an outer joint part 25 whose inner aperture
26 at the wheel hub end comprises a set of inner teeth 27, and an
inner joint part 28 having an inner aperture 29. The inner aperture
29 comprises a set of inner teeth 30. Further, the joint 12 is
provided with torque transmitting balls 31 and a ball cage 32 for
controlling the balls 31. A driveshaft 13 provided with outer teeth
33 is inserted into the inner aperture 29 of the inner joint part
28. The outer joint part 25 is sealed relative to the shaft 13 by a
convoluted boot 34. In. the embodiments according to FIGS. 1, 2, 3
and 5, a plate metal cover 35 is inserted into the inner aperture
26 of the outer joint part 25. The cover 35 seals the joint
relative to the wheel hub end. In the embodiment according to FIG.
4, a radial wall 51 in the wheel hub 11 fulfills this function.
In FIGS. 1 and 1A, an annular member 36a comprising a. set of outer
teeth 37 is inserted into the inner aperture 26. The teeth 27, 37
include annular grooves 38, 39 which correspond to one another and
include a retaining ring 40 inserted into the grooves 38, 39 to
axially secure the outer joint part 25 and the annular member 36a
to each other. The teeth 27, 37 constitute a torque transmitting
connection: The annular member 36a slides onto a centering collar
41 at the wheel hub 11 at a joint end. The end face, under
pretension, rests against at least one separate inner bearing ring
42 on the wheel hub 11. The position of the annular member 36
relative to the wheel hub 11 is secured by a weld 44 produced in
the annular gap 43 between the centering collar 41 and the annular
member 36 by laser welding. In FIG. 1A the centering collar 41 is
joined by splines 57.sub.1.
The upper half of the illustration according to FIGS. 1 and 1A,
apart from the separate inner bearing ring 42, shows a second
separate inner bearing ring 45. The end faces of both inner bearing
rings contact one another and the second separate inner bearing
ring 45 is directly axially supported on the wheel hub 11, as in
the illustration according to FIG. 4. In the lower half of the
illustrations, the second inner bearing ring is integral with the
wheel hub 11, as in the embodiments according to FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and
6.
FIGS. 2 and 2A show an annular member 36b connected to the outer
joint part 25 by the same means and in the same way as described
with reference to FIGS. 1 and 1A. At its end face, the annular
member 36b is supported on the separate inner bearing ring 42 at
the joint end, and tensions the inner bearing ring 42 relative to
the wheel hub 11. The annular member 36b, has an inner collar 46
formed at the hub end with a radially outwardly deformed outer
collar 47 at the wheel hub 11. The outer collar 46 engages behind
the inner collar 46 which is pretensioned toward s the wheel end
against the inner bearing ring 42. Before the annular member 36b
slides on the outer collar 47, the annular member 36b is
cylindrical on the outside, and has an outer diameter that
corresponds permittably at most to the inner diameter of the inner
collar 46. In FIG. 2A there are splines 57.sub.2 on the inner
collar 46 and the outer collar 47.
FIG. 3 shows a separate annular member 36c axially and
non-rotatingly connected to the outer joint part 25 by the same
means and in the same way as described with reference to FIG. 1.
The annular member 36c is connected to the wheel hub 11 in a
material-locking way by a centric inner friction weld 49. At the
separate inner bearing ring 42, an axial collar 50 is formed at the
joint end. The axial collar 50 annularly surround s the outside of
the friction weld 49. The axial collar 50 has an end face contacted
by the annular member 36c. The separate inner bearing ring 42 is
pretensioned relative to the wheel hub 11.
In FIGS. 4 and 4A, the annular member 36d is connected to the outer
joint member 25 in the same way and by the same means as described
with reference to FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the annular member 36
is integral with the separate inner bearing ring 42d at the joint
end. The annular member 36d slides onto a centering collar 41
supported by a radial wall 51. At the same time, the joint towards
the hub end is sealed. In the annular gap 43 between the centering
collar 41 and the annular member 36d there is a laser weld 44. As
shown in FIG. 1 (top half), the annular member 36d is supported
against a further separate inner bearing ring 45 on the wheel hub
11. In FIG. 4A the centering collar 41 is joined by splines
57.sub.4.
In FIGS. 5 and 5A, the annular member 36e is secured to the outer
joint part 25 by the same means and in the same way as described in
FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the annular member 36 is integral with
the inner bearing ring 42e at the joint end. A substantial part of
the inner bearing ring 42e is in the form of an inner collar 46.
The inner bearing ring 42e has a radially outwardly deformed outer
collar 47 at the wheel hub 11 form-fittingly extending behind the
inner collar 46 to axially pretension the same. Double lines
indicate the connecting means which are form-fitting in the
direction of rotation and which are at the contacting end faces of
the two collars 46, 47. In FIG. 5A there are splines 57.sub.5 on
the inner collar 46 and the outer collar 47.
In FIG. 6, the annular member 36f is secured to the outer joint
part 25 by the same means and in the same way as described in to
FIG. 1. The annular member 36f is integral with the separate inner
bearing ring 42f at the joint end. The annular member 36f, at the
hub end, is adjacent to an attached sleeve 54 inserted into a
through-aperture 55 of the wheel hub 11f. The through-aperture 55
includes inner teeth 57 which cooperates with shaft teeth 56 on the
attached sleeve 54. The free end of the attached sleeve 54 is
provided with a beaded portion 58 supported on and resting against
an outer stop face 59 of the wheel hub 11f. Subsequently, the
separate inner bearing ring 42f is axially tensioned relative to
the outer bearing ring 21. The unit consisting of the annular
member 11f, the separate inner bearing ring 42f and the attached
sleeve 54, in its inner aperture 60, includes a radial supporting
wall 61 which closes a free axial passage and has a stiffening
function.
Preferred embodiments have been disclosed. A worker in this art
would recognize that modifications would come within the scope of
this invention. Thus, the following claims should be considered to
determine the true scope of this invention.
* * * * *